WASHINGTON — The Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night looking to just get to the finish line. This contest was their final road game of the season and the Sixers were looking to end a lengthy losing streak which was 12 entering this contest.
The Sixers did lead for a majority of this one and, while the Wizards worked their way back into the game and took the lead, they were able to hang on for a 12-game losing streak snapping 122-103 win. It’s Philadelphia’s first win since it defeated the Dallas Mavericks on the road back on March 16.
The Sixers received a career-high 30 points from Jeff Dowtin Jr., 24 points from Lonnie Walker IV while Jared Butler added 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Quentin Grimes shook off a terrible start to finish with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists and Adem Bona had 17, nine, and two blocks. Ricky Council IV added 11 and five boards while Colin Castleton added 14 rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the win:
Jared Butler: A
Making his return to Washington since the deadline trade, Butler had some good moments. He knocked down an early 3 to get going with his own offense while also running things at the point guard spot. He was able to get the Sixers organized and into their sets while also helping on the glass. Overall, he knocked down shots, was helpful from deep, and gave the Sixers some consistent scoring from the perimeter. He also was solid on the defensive end. This continues to be a strong end to the season for Butler.
Quentin Grimes: B
It was a slow start for Grimes as he missed his first 10 shots before getting a triple to fall in the third quarter, but he was able to contribute with his passing and work on the glass in this one. While he did get going a bit with his offense in the second half, it was an overall tough night for him in terms of his efficiency. He gets a pass when considering how terrific he has been for Philadelphia, and the fact that he was a key contributor in other areas.
Lonnie Walker IV: A-minus
Walker continues to have a strong end to the 2024-25 season. He started the game off by knocking down a couple of triples. The Wizards had to start paying attention to him which opened the paint for others to step up and produce on the offensive end. He got into a little scuffle with Wizards rookie Kyshawn George which led to him picking up a flagrant-1, but other than that, Walker played well as he continues his audition to end the season.
Marcus Bagley: C-minus
Bagley finally got a 3 to fall for him in this one which is good to see when considering how hard he has worked to get this level. It was an overall tough night for him shooting the ball, but he continues to show off the NBA skill of moving without the basketball. His understanding of where to find the open spots in a defense is going to help him going forward.
Adem Bona: A
One has to give Bona a lot of credit for his development as a shot blocker. He cleaned up a lot of shots at the rim and was a threat at the rim on the offensive end. He has shown a lot of growth as a rim roller and lob threat while also being active as a shot blocker. Those are two attributes that he can build on as time moves on. He was outplaying No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr for a time to begin this one and Bona gave Philadelphia some solid production in this one.
Jeff Dowtin Jr.: A-plus
Playing for the first time since March 26 as the Sixers have to manage him with only so many games he can be available for, Dowtin played well in his initial stint. He made some hustle plays to create extra possessions for the Sixers while also contributing with his own offense with a triple and somebody who was able to get to the basket and produce. He went on a heater in the third quarter to help the Sixers create some separation and build a lead.
Colin Castleton: B-minus
There is a lot to like about Castleton. He certainly has some cleaning up to do in a lot of areas in his game, but he has size, a great motor, and a soft touch around the basket. He had a few good plays in this one that allowed him to make an impact and he gave the Sixers some production on the offensive end. He also carved out space to be helpful on the glass.
Ricky Council IV: B
Council knocked down a tough 3 in the early going—which should have been an And-1—and made some hustle plays on the defensive end. The efficiency continues to be an issue for him, but overall, Council played well in this one and helped the Sixers in some areas. He made some big plays in the fourth to keep the Wizards at bay.
Alex Reese: C-plus
The initial stint for Reese showed a lot of what he has shown thus far. He knocked down a 3 in the early going and he made some hustle plays on the glass. He also had two blocks on the defensive end as he continues to improve with reps on that end of the floor.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Sixers beat Wizards to end lengthy losing streak